Reading the various comments on the site I realised that while all posts aptly describe and narrate the activities of Villageways, I want to express my appreciation for the intent and the integrity with which its being pursued.
A truly upsatnding, heartfelt and honest effort. Having met the author ( to use promoter would indicate, rather inaccurately, a strong personal profit motive ) I was overwhelmed by the sincerety and passion with which the stated 'goal of the innovation' was being pursued. A Personal visit and testimonials of other visitors and local beneficiaries have since strengthened my belief in the cause. I hope to contribute to the project in any way that I can.

as a concept that ties rural upliftment to promote travel and tourism in relatively unknown villages, villageways is truly unique concept. Not only does it bring the people living in these villages, pride and respect, it presents to the world what we Indians hold closest to our hearts, our varied culture and traditions.

It is difficult to travel in the villages of India. The initiative of such projects not only gives employment to the villagers but also keeps them connected to their own land. Often one knows of stories when one has abandoned his village in search of work as there is no work to be found in the village. This project, hopefully, will make the villagers look within themselves with a sense of pride and achievement....as well as keep them connected with their roots.

Having spoken to many guests who have joined the Village Ways holidays, it is wonderful to know how much they appreciated the experience of meeting real villagers who are partners in this enterprise. People say that they are pleased to feel that they are giving something back when they visit, and become part of the family.

This approach is novel and offers possibilities elsewhere. Village Ways definitely deserves to win!

i have visited the villageways intiative in the binsar sanctuary.it is a charming partnership between the villagers and villageways.The most noticeable fact is that the youth in the Villages really do not want to go to the cities for work - they much prefer the peace of their mountain village homes .Therefore the work which has evolved with the growth of the walking holidays has created job opportunities which have been met with great enthusiasm . There is a joy in the villages that is palpable.These Himalayan villages seem to have a renewed economic prosperity - which is truly sustainable .

Congratulations for a truly successful pilot project .

I can't tell you how wonderful this program you run actually is... you enable people to live with pride.

After going through Villageways website, I am delighted to know the depth of community involvement in the project. Rarely do we find a rural tourism project where the local people are actually given responsibilities above than the lower levels of operations.What is even better to know is that the village committees do play an eminent role in decision making which I am sure encourages participation from their end. Keep up the good work and all the very best for the geotourism challenge!

It is wonderful to see this community co-ordinated initiative of yours. The Kumaon Himalayas are an abysmally impoverished part of India. The village communities have been decimated, aged parents, wives and children left behind by the migration of young men from the villages to the metropolises in search of jobs as domestic servants. Traditional medicinal remedies, village crafts and the ancient village cultural ethos evolved over the millennia is being rapidly eroded by crude city mores and its accompanying plastic culture. Himalayan families are Re_integrating and this wonderful initiative of yours is giving the Himalayan villager an opportunity to live a proud, self sufficient life.

God bless you all and this wonderful initiative of yours.

It is wonderful to see this community co-ordinated initiative of yours. The Kumaon Himalayas are an abysmally impoverished part of India. The village communities have been decimated, aged parents, wives and children left behind by the migration of young men from the villages to the metropolises in search of jobs as domestic servants. Traditional medicinal remedies, village crafts and the ancient village cultural ethos evolved over the millennia is being rapidly eroded by crude city mores and its accompanying plastic culture. Himalayan families are Re_integrating and this wonderful initiative of yours is giving the Himalayan villager an opportunity to live a proud, self sufficient life.

God bless you all and this wonderful initiative of yours.

It is wonderful to see this community co-ordinated initiative of yours. The Kumaon Himalayas are an abysmally impoverished part of India. The village communities have been decimated, aged parents, wives and children left behind by the migration of young men from the villages to the metropolises in search of jobs as domestic servants. Traditional medicinal remedies, village crafts and the ancient village cultural ethos evolved over the millennia is being rapidly eroded by crude city mores and its accompanying plastic culture. Himalayan families are Re_integrating and this wonderful initiative of yours is giving the Himalayan villager an opportunity to live a proud, self sufficient life.

God bless you all and this wonderful initiative of yours.